CONSAT Pay-TV joins race

To deepen the competition in the pay-TV market through cutting-edge content offering and better experience, a Nigerian-grown and owned business, Continental Satellite Limited, has unveiled a pay-TV brand, CONSAT. The market has Dstv, StarTimes, Daarsat as players.

But the Chief Executive Officer, Continental Satellite Limited, Mr. Mayokun Okunola, while unveiling the CONSAT at a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, said CONSAT was coming into the country to herald true pay-TV experience as countries migrate from analogue to digital broadcasting next year.

“Continental Satellite Limited, established in 2012, is a privately owned digital satellite television company with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. The company launches the newest entrant into the pay-tv satellite service market in Nigeria under the brand name, CONSAT. As one of the most important entrants into the pay-TV market in Africa, CONSAT offers an affordable price and high quality channels for the rapidly growing, choice conscious African family homes. CONSAT aims to be the platform of choice by providing over 10 free channels for local and international content enabling customers to stay informed and be entertained,” says Okunola.

CONSAT offers MPEG4 digital compression technology broadcasting of over 50 channels with a view to reach over 100 channels in 2015. It also offers over 10 quality channels to the viewer’s even if their subscription lapses.

Okunola affirmed that the company is focused on ensuring the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry by delivering the best in Nigerian culture, music, entertainment and lifestyle to a worldwide audience.

“We have invested in a telenovela channel through a third-party partner for the women who love novela entertainment. Our channels also include international news channels, home grown entertainment, State TV channels, and terrestrial channels,” he explained.

He said pay-TV will offer the middle-income, choice-conscious Nigeria family a new option that respect their desire for better content, quality pictures and true pay-TV experience.

To ensure that Nigeria’s pay-TV subscribers enjoy value for their money, Okunola noted that content is key. “Content is key to this industry. Our investment cannot be fully maximised if new providers are not able to air compelling and relevant content. It would be an unfair start. There is a prevalence of exclusivity that is steering this industry in the wrong direction. These issues need to be discussed by the stakeholders; regulators and other content providers in the industry so that we can find an amicable solution. We need a fair start.”

CONSAT subscription price of N4000 is very competitive such that entertainment-loving Nigerian families can have access to it.

CONSAT provides Direct To Home (DTH) digital multi-channel television services to subscribers with access to multiple programming that transmits directly to subscribers’ homes or businesses via high-powered satellites.

CONSAT channels include News, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports, Movies, Music, Kids, Religion and indigenous channels. The platform is home to some of the world’s most popular brands, including SKY News, FOX, Nickelodeon, MTV and Extreme Sports.

CONSAT will introduce new channel brands into the market that showcase the favorite programmes that viewers want to watch. The platform also plans to build and offer CONSAT branded channels with yet to be revealed unique proposition and world-class content.

“Nigerian’s have come to expect diversity in terms of what they watch and listen to. We are a nation that attracts the attention of people around the world; content providers like us are expected to provide the best in information and entertainment content that showcases why Nigeria is so important to the world. CONSAT will definitely resonate with viewers, especially working professionals seeking international exposure,” he said.

CONSAT management team brings forth a vast wealth of experience from the telecommunications and broadcasting industry that is invaluable to satellite services business.